Welcome back from the silly season!

Henk welcomed 20 members & guests Maureen H, Jan N, Heather McK, Lorraine H, Marilyn J, Sally F, and Brian & Fiona Pattison to our first meeting back after our Christmas/New Year break.

Apologies from Daryl, Marianne & Garth.

Those in attendance enjoyed a tasty barbecue dinner prepared by Henk and Albert.  Following dinner and dessert, Grahame spoke on the trip to Batlow by Ian, Dave, Ted & Grahame.  Ian drove the group to Batlow on Thursday afternoon and their first port of call was the pub where they had a few refreshments and chatted with some locals, including one member of the Batlow Rotary Club. They then booked themselves in to the motel, which was next door to the RSL Club, where the Coolamon Rotarians joined the members of the Batlow club for drinks and dinner. The Batlow Rotarians expressed their appreciation for the four visiting their town & attending their meeting and our offer of whatever assistance we can come up with after their town and surrounds had been so devastated by the bushfires.

A number of ideas were discussed such as our club ‘sistering’ with the Batlow Club and exchanging weekly bulletins with each other and perhaps hosting their members if we can organise for them to visit us here in Coolamon down the track.

The next morning the boys had breakfast at the bakery and encountered a number of members of the armed forces who have been deployed to Batlow for up to two months to help in the huge, huge task of cleaning up the devastation around the district.  On their drive back to Coolamon, the quartet came across some army vehicles out in the field and took photos and chatted with some of the army guys about the work they had been assigned to.

Much more could be talked about their experiences but time and space won’t allow here. Grahame reports that he, Ian, Dave and Ted found the trip to Batlow most rewarding for all concerned.

Jan N won the raffle, and Ian led a brief fine session to conclude the evening.

JUST FOR LAUGHS

DIARY

Sunday, January 26th – Australia Day festivities in Coolamon. Coolamon Rotary will be cooking breakfast at Sport & Rec Club early.  Rostered on are John G, Dick, Dave, Ted, Myffy, Bern, Bruce, Henk and Albert.

Monday, January 27th – No meeting (public holiday).

Monday, February 3rd – Club Assembly – no guests please.  Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7 pm.

Monday, February 10th – Regular meeting.  Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7 pm.

Thursday, February 13th – First BINGO for the new decade.  Rostered on are Daryl (captain), Bruce, Dick & Ian (for Leslie).

Saturday & Sunday, February 15 -16 – PETS (President Elect Training Session).

March 20-22nd 2020 – D9700 Conference, Temora.

June 6-10th 2020 RI Convention, Honolulu.

* denotes partner & guest night

REMINDERS

Please get your working with children check completed and give the number and expiry date to the secretary ASAP. Failure to do so may mean you are not covered insurance wise when you volunteer at events.

Subs are now due.

January is Rotary Vocational Service Month

 Dinner Meeting – December 9th – Last meeting of 2019

President Wayne welcomed 18 members to our last meeting of 2019.

Apologies from Don, Daryl, Sarah, Ian, Bern, Garth, Leslie and Marie-Anne.

Correspondence:

• Letters from schools thanking us for donations towards presentation nights
• Letter from Council rejecting our proposal to post signs advertising service clubs at the entrances to Coolamon. It appears that Council interpreted our request as a promotion for Rotary, as opposed to promoting all service clubs wanting to be included.  The proposal will be reworked and clarified for re-submission in the new year.

Business:

• Monday, Feb 10, 2020 – Wykes family visiting our Club meeting
• Saturday, April 4 – Family biking event in Coolamon. Stay tuned for details!

Roster for Hot Rods visiting Coolamon this Saturday December 14:

• 8 to 9.30 am  – Dick, Brian P, Ian, Wayne & Dave
• 9.30 to 11 am  – Garth, Daryl, Anne, Lyn & Ted

AGM

Presided by incoming President Howard. Minutes from last year’s AGM were approved and reports for 2018-19 were tabled by IPP Daryl and Treasurer Henk. 

Nominations for 2020-2021 officers and directors were read out and approved unanimously:

• President Elect:  Albert
• Secretary : John
• Treasurer:  Henk
• Foundation Director: Neil
• Membership Director:  Dick 
• Club Admin Director:  Paul 
• Service Project Director 1: Albert
• Service Project Director 2: Dave (assisted by John B)
• Youth Services Director: Anne
• Public Relations Director: Grahame M, assisted by Bern M
• Sergeant-at-Arms: Alex (to be assisted by Dick,  
• Bulletin Editors: Paul & John
• Webmasters: John & Paul

Congratulations and thanks to those who put up their hands to serve as officers and directors!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Who said this?

“Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night?

The author of last week’s quote was TS Eliot.

JUST FOR LAUGHS

DIARY

Thursday, December 12th – Christmas Bingo.  Community Centre Hall, 6.45 – 10:00.  Rostered on are Daryl (captain),  Albert, Bern & Myffy.

Saturday, December 14th – Hot Rodders catering, from 8 to 11 am (see roster above).

*Saturday, December 14th – Club Christmas Party at the Old Convent at  $20 a head. Please bring nibbles, salad or dessert, but not trifle.

Tuesday, December 31st – NYE Festival – need ALL members on board to help out on this night please with catering selling raffle tickets, etc.

*Monday, January 20th – First meeting back – social night.  Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7 pm.

Wednesday, January 22nd – Board Meeting – Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 7:00 pm.

Sunday, January 26th – Australia Day festivities in Coolamon. Coolamon Rotary will be cooking breakfast at Sport & Rec Club early.  Stay tuned for details!

Monday, January 27th – No meeting (public holiday).

Monday, February 3rd – Club Assembly – no guests please.  Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7 pm.

February 15 -16, 2020 – PETS (President Elect Training Session) is now 15 -16 Feb, 2020.

March 20-22nd 2020 – D9700 Conference, Temora.

June 6-10th 2020 RI Convention, Honolulu.

* denotes partner & guest night

REMINDERS

Please get your working with children check completed and give the number and expiry date to the secretary ASAP. Failure to do so may mean you are not covered insurance wise when you volunteer at events.

Subs are now due.

December is Rotary Disease Prevention and Treatment month

 Dinner Meeting – December 2nd

President Wayne welcomed 18 members & guests Chez P, Brian Pattison, Anne B

Apologies from Don D, John B, Myffy C, Dick J, Dave McK, Bern M, Garth P & Paul W

Business

• President Wayne thanked those who helped take money on the gate for the Stockman’s Challenge.   Wayne suggested we donate the $500 back as its a great cause.
• Next Monday, Dec 9 – Wayne expressed the need for a very good roll-up of members for the AGM please.    More nominations are needed.
• For the club Christmas Party at the Old Convent, Helen needs to know from each member, if you could help with nibbles, salad, or a dessert. Please let her know your preference.
• Grahame did a report on Bingo & thanked the members who have replied to the email asking for when they can or cannot be rostered onto Bingo next year. Could those members who have not responded please spend a few minutes responding.
• Reminder of school presentation nights coming up this month & which members are committed to attending each school. 
• Wayne asked for volunteers to be put on roster for Hot Rodders on December 14 & NYE catering.
• Henk gave a report on Doin’ it for Drought-Affected Kids and monies distributed amounting to $8000.
• Roster for Hot Rods visiting Coolamon – Saturday December 14
  • 8 to 9.30 am  – Dick J, Brian P & Ian J
  • 9.30 to 11 am  – Daryl B, Anne R, Lyn S & Ted H

• Leslie won the main raffle &  Albert concluded the meeting with a fine session.

Guest Speakers: Howard Atkinson

Rotarian Howard gave a presentation on North Tuppal Shearing Station near Tocumwal, which has been owned by his Atkinson family since 1928.   He showed a number of slides, one of which was Tuppal woolshed, which was chosen as the site for the 2010 re-enactment of Tom Robert’s ‘Shearing the Rams.’

Established in the 1880s by Francis Falkiner, the business went on to build an empire of sheep stations, some of which have endured through to the present day. One of their early holdings, North Tuppal, was purchased in 1891 near Tocumwal. The acquisition included the 1860s built woolshed and added 124,000 head of sheep to their growing empire.                                     

North Tuppal Station once had the biggest and best shearing shed in the country. It was made of termite and flood resistant Murray pine – local to the area. When it was in full production it boasted an impressive 72 shearers, shearing 5000 sheep a day, with another 200 associated workers.  Over a 21-year period, a total of 3 million sheep were shorn on the property. After its early success and following the Great War, drought & the Depression, the Tuppal property was broken up, with land resumed by both the NSW Lands Department and the Soldier Settlement Scheme.  By the time the Atkinson family bought North Tuppal in 1928, just five mechanical stands were in operation                                                                                                                                          

In 2008, owners Bruce & Shana Atkinson were approached to open it up to the public. Thousands of volunteer hours went into repairing the iconic building.  15,000 people descended on the property over two days in 2010, with 6000 sheep shorn. This large-scale project captured the action Tom Roberts portrayed so famously in his painting, ‘Shearing The Rams’.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Who is responsible for this quote?  

“What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from ”

The author of last week’s quote was Billy Conley

JUST FOR LAUGHS

This was my last meeting and bulletin for Coolamon Rotary. I wish everyone all the best into the future – Sarah

PS I will be at the Christmas party for final farewells.

DIARY

Monday, December 9th – Annual General Meeting.  Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

Thursday, December 12th – Christmas Bingo.  Community Centre Hall, 6.45 – 10:00.  Rostered on are Daryl (captain),  Albert, Bern & Myffy.

Saturday, December 14th – Hot Rodders catering, from 8 to 11 am (see roster above).

*Saturday, December 14th – Club Christmas Party at the Old Convent at  $20 a head. Please bring nibbles, salad or dessert, but not trifle.

Tuesday, December 31st – NYE Food Van catering – need ALL members on board to help out on this night please, not just the same old same old.

*Monday, January 20th – First meeting back – social night.  Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7 pm.

Wednesday, January 22th – Board Meeting – Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 7:00 pm.

Monday, February 3rd – Club Assembly – no guests please.  Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7 pm.

February 15 -16, 2020 – PETS (President Elect Training Session) is now 15 -16 Feb, 2020.

March 20-22nd 2020 – D9700 Conference, Temora.

June 6-10th 2020 RI Convention, Honolulu.

* denotes partner & guest night

REMINDERS

Please get your working with children check completed and give the number and expiry date to the secretary ASAP. Failure to do so may mean you are not covered insurance wise when you volunteer at events.

Subs are now due.

December is Rotary Disease Prevention and Treatment month

 Dinner Meeting – November 25th

President Wayne welcomed 22 members and guests Laura Munro, Jess Inch, Brian Pattison, Chez, Anne B and Lana Collins (trainee doctor).

Apologies from John G, Ian and Don. 

Correspondence

• As our secretary was away so there was no correspondence to report.

Business

• Hot rods will be coming through Coolamon on the morning of Saturday, Dec. 14 – volunteers are needed to cook sausages outside Rural Supplies.
• John N would like books no longer needed to donate to Wagga Rotary Club Book Fair. Please phone John on 6927 3535 if you’d like him to collect.
• Stockman’s Challenge is on this Thursday to Sunday. We have agreed to ‘people’ the gate into the showground.  A roster has been emailed out to members. More help is needed so if you have the time it would be appreciated. Times are:
  • Thu 12.30 to 8 pm
  • Friday – 8 am to 3 pm
  • Sat. – 8 to 11 am
  • Sun. – 8 to 11 am
• Reminder that the  club’s NYE catering committee will need to start organising for the night. Committee members are Wayne, John B, Alex, Howard, Ted, Henk and Paul.
• Next Monday, Dec 2,  Howard is doing presentation on Tuppal station at Tocumwal.
• Bruce  won the raffle and Daryl conducted a ‘happy’ fines session.

Guest Speakers Laura Munro & Jess Inch

Laura Munro is the Tourist & Business Development officer for CSC.   She spoke on the NYE street party, where there will be live bands, food stalls, kid’s entertainment and, of course, fireworks.  She expressed council’s appreciation with Rotary’s assistance, such as providing sausage sandwiches for kids, etc. She also spoke on the latest promotion Council has embarked on – the Canola Trail – which is linking Coolamon, Temora & Junee to make tourists aware of the attractions in each of those towns. Canola Trail booklets were handed out to members on the night and its a great publication promoting our district. 

Jess Inch is the Community Development Officer or ‘Jack of all Trades’ as some title her.  She spoke on the Australia Day celebrations in Coolamon on 26th Jan. Rotary have been asked to cook community breakfast (bacon and egg rolls). The event will be held in Redgrave Park, and the  shire council estimates up to 450 people could attend.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Who is responsible for this quote?  

“Before you judge a man, walk a mile in his shoes. After that who cares?… He’s a mile away and you’ve got his shoes! ”

The author of last week’s quote was Napolean Bonaparte.

JUST FOR LAUGHS

DIARY

* Monday, December 2nd – Regular meeting.  Guest speaker Howard Atkinson.  Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

Monday, December 9th – Annual General Meeting.  Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

Thursday, December 12th – Christmas Bingo.  Community Centre Hall, 6.45 – 10:00.  Rostered on are Daryl (captain),  Albert, Bern & Myffy.

*Saturday, December 14th – Coolamon Rotary Christmas Party.  Old Convent, Coolamon.

*Monday, January 20th – First meeting back – social night.  Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7 pm.

Wednesday, January 22th – Board Meeting – Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 7:00 pm.

Monday, February 3rd – Club Assembly – no guests please.  Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7 pm.

February 15 -16, 2020 – PETS (President Elect Training Session) is now 15 -16 Feb, 2020.

March 20-22nd 2020 – D9700 Conference, Temora.

June 6-10th 2020 RI Convention, Honolulu.

* denotes partner & guest night

REMINDERS

Please get your working with children check completed and give the number and expiry date to the secretary ASAP. Failure to do so may mean you are not covered insurance wise when you volunteer at events.

Subs are now due.

November is Rotary Foundation Month

 Dinner Meeting – November 18

President Wayne welcomed 18 members and guests Janice Menzies, Lachlan, Amanda & Chontal Costello and Brian Pattison.

Apologies from John N,  Howard, Daryl, Myffy, Don, Bruce, Bernie, Neil, Albert and Alex.

Correspondence

• Invitations to Presentation evenings from –
  • CCS Presentation Night on Monday, Dec. 9 – (Sarah will represent our Club)
  • Beckom PS on Friday, Dec 6 (Garth)
  • Marrar PS on Thursday, Dec 4
  • Ardlethan CS on Tuesday, Dec 17 (Wayne & Helen)

Business

• President Wayne brought up his idea of a donation to an indigenous health scholarship to ARH (Australian Rotary Health)
• Marie-Anne introduced her two daughters Chontal & Amanda who are in Year 9 at school and will be representing our club at RYPEN (Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment).

• Janice Menzies DDAK (Doing it for Drought Affected Kids) gave a talk on the work they’re doing for the School of the Air at Broken Hill.  There is $9000 left from the funds collected this past year so Janice is proposing to organise Christmas parties for families in drought-affected areas. Janice read out letters from two groups (one near Condobolin and the other near Manila) who would appreciate help towards the idea.  She proposed giving $1500 to each group in need and asked for our OK.

• Grahame gave a Bingo report from last Thursday.  There were 17 players, including many young people. A profit of $200 was generated on the night, which will be donated to the hospital, as per usual. The jackpot is building, but did not go off.  Maybe a lucky player will win the jackpot at the upcoming Christmas bingo?
• Henk gave a report on the food van shed which nearing completion.  Fitting of the doors is the last major task.
• Wayne proposed a family push bike ride day to raise funds for drought relief, to be held in Coolamon in late summer/early autumn.  Stay tuned for details.
• Coolamon Stockman’s challenge will take place from Thursday, 28th November to Sunday, Dec 1.  The club will be managing the gates over those 4 days; a roster will be drawn up at Monday’s meeting.
• Dick took on the Sargent at Arms job and ended up fining almost every member plus some of our guests.  This was followed by some humorous cross fines.   
• The raffle was won by Janice Menzies

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Who is responsible for this quote?  

“Courage is like love; it must have hope for nourishment.”

The author of last week’s quote was Martin Luther King, Jr.

JUST FOR LAUGHS

DIARY

Monday, November 25th – Regular meeting.  Laura & Jess from Council to talk on plans for Australia Day.  Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

Monday, December 2nd – Regular meeting.  Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

Monday, December 9th – Annual General Meeting.  Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

Thursday, December 12th – Christmas Bingo.  Community Centre Hall, 6.45 – 10:00.  Rostered on are Daryl (captain),  Albert, Bern & Myffy.

*Saturday, December 14th – Coolamon Rotary Christmas Party.  Old Convent, Coolamon.

*Monday, January 20th – First meeting back – social night.  Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7 pm.

Wednesday, January 22th – Board Meeting – Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 7:00 pm.

Monday, February 3rd – Club Assembly – no guests please.  Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7 pm.

February 15 -16, 2020 – PETS (President Elect Training Session) is now 15 -16 Feb, 2020.

March 20-22nd 2020 – D9700 Conference, Temora.

June 6-10th 2020 RI Convention, Honolulu.

* denotes partner & guest night

REMINDERS

Please get your working with children check completed and give the number and expiry date to the secretary ASAP. Failure to do so may mean you are not covered insurance wise when you volunteer at events.

Subs are now due.

November is Rotary Foundation Month

Remembrance Day Dinner Meeting – November 11

President Wayne welcomed 18 members and partners Chez, Ann B and special guests from Wollundry Club, David Byfield and Phil McIntosh.

Apologies from Garth, Ian, John N, Don, Bruce, Dave, Neil, Anne and Lyn.

Correspondence

• Invitation to Coolamon Central School presentation night on Monday, December 9 – Sarah will represent our club.
• Invitation to Ardlethan Central School on Tuesday, December 17.
• Invitation to Marrar Public School on Thursday, December 4. 
• Members wishing to represent the club at presentation nights should contact Wayne.
• PETS is now 15 -16 Feb, 2020.

Business

• John G distributed  forms for nominations for next year’s board.
• Topics for board meeting on 20th November to Secretary John.
• Update on food van shed  – The roof and most walls are secured. Daryl thanked Henk and Albert for their assistance;  Wayne also thanked Daryl for his untiring effort.
• Costello girls coming next week before going RYPEN.
• Bingo is on this Thursday; all welcome.
• RAIC (Rotary Adventure in Citizenship) in Canberra was briefly discussed and Sarah will see if any students from Coolamon Central School are interested.

Guest Speaker  – Phil McIntosh on Gears and Beers 2019

Phil McIntosh gave a presentation on Gears and Beers with a number of great photos of the day. Feedback from the riders and others people associated with the day was very positive. In total, about 2900 riders participated this year, up from the 365 in the first year of Gears and Beers in 2014. Included in this year’s ride were famous cyclists  Henk Vogels and  Phil Anderson as well as cycling commentator Michael Tomalaris of SBS who interviewed both riders and volunteers and giving great publicity for the event. Also fantastic to see was the exponential growth in women riders in the Dirty 130.

Feedback from the Coolamon Rotary members was very positive and all agreed that continued participation in the event would continue to benefit the region.

Phil thanked all members for their contribution from helping produce the food that was distributed at Marrar and Coolamon to those who helped on checked points, etc, etc 

For our efforts, Phil and David presented a cheque for $8000 to our club.

Phil McIntosh won the raffle and Albert concluded the evening with a lively fine session.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Who is responsible for this quote?  

“We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.”

The author of last week’s quote was Winston Churchill.

JUST FOR LAUGHS

DIARY

*Monday, November 18th  – Speaker meeting. Our own Howard Atkinson will be speaking on Tuppal Station. Also meet and greet Amanda and Chantel Costello before they attend RYPEN. Coolamon Sport and Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

Wednesday, November 20th – Board meeting.  Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 7:00 pm.

Monday, December 9th – Annual General Meeting.  Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

Thursday, December 12th – Christmas Bingo.  Community Centre Hall, 6.45 – 10:00.  Rostered on are Daryl (captain),  Albert, Myffy, and Bern.

*Saturday, December 14th – Coolamon Rotary Christmas Party.  Old Convent, Coolamon.

March 20-22nd 2020 – D9700 Conference, Temora.

June 6-10th 2020 RI Convention, Honolulu.

* denotes partner & guest night

REMINDERS

Please get your working with children check completed and give the number and expiry date to the secretary ASAP. Failure to do so may mean you are not covered insurance wise when you volunteer at events.

Subs are now due.

November is Rotary Foundation Month

Joint Meeting with Lions – November 4th

President Wayne welcomed 19 members and some partners, plus guests from the Coolamon Lions Club.

Dave McCann welcomed Phil Malligan, our guest speaker along with some special guests, Mayor John Seymour and his wife, Margaret.

Apologies from Garth, Ian, Howard, Myffy, Don, Lyn, John N, Leslie and Dick.

Correspondence:

• Presentation night welcome from Coolamon Central School

Dave McCann introduced guest speaker Detetive Sargeant Phil Malligan.

Phil started his talk by acknowledging the traditional owners of this land.  He then gave a talk on his 3 months in Canada on a Prince of Wales scholarship. He went in the dead of winter and when he got off the train in Edmonton it was -27 degrees! There are 1200 police in that city.  He found much commonality with problems in Australia and witnessed similar issues the indigenous people deal with. After comparing many issues in Canada and how the government deals with them, Phil realised that we do many things very well in Australia.  Notably, Phil discovered Australia is ahead with domestic violence legislation. All the proceeds from casinos go to the indigenous people.

Phil was invited to a smoking ceremony with the indigenous people and had to change into board shorts to participate, and even then he was sweating profusely in the large teepee it was held in. 

He lives by the philosophy:  If you lose your integrity you lose everything.  Another quote that Phil likes to live by is one by David Morrison (a former officer in the Australian army): The standard you walk past is the standard you accept (originally spoken about sexual harassment, but applicable to most aspects of life, according to Phil).

Bruce Hamilton thanked Phil for a very interesting talk and presented him with a gift.  Bruce also thanked Coolamon mayor John Seymour for recommending Phil as a speaker (and presented him with a small gift as well).

Albert led a brief but entertaining fine session.  The raffle was won by Dave.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Who is responsible for this quote?

“To improve is to change: to be perfect is to change often.”

The author of last week’s quote was John Bercow, speaker of the British House of Commons.

JUST FOR LAUGHS

DIARY

Thursday, November 14th – Bingo.  Community Centre Hall, 6.45 – 10:00.  Rostered on are Grahame (captain),  Ian, Alex and Garth.

*Monday, November 18th  – Speaker meeting. Our own Howard Atkinson will be speaking on Tupple Station. Also meet and greet Amanda & Chantel Costello before they attend RYPEN. Coolamon Sport and Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

Wednesday, November 20th – Board meeting.  Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 7:00 pm.

Monday, December 9th – Annual General Meeting.  Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

Thursday, December 12th – Christmas Bingo.  Community Centre Hall, 6.45 – 10:00.  Rostered on are Daryl (captain),  Albert, Myffy, and Bern.

*Saturday, December 14th – Christmas Party.  Old Convent, Coolamon.

March 20-22nd 2020 – D9700 Conference, Temora.

June 6-10th 2020 RI Convention, Honolulu.

* denotes partner & guest night

REMINDERS

Please get your working with children check completed and give the number and expiry date to the secretary ASAP. Failure to do so may mean you are not covered insurance wise when you volunteer at events.

Subs are now due.

November is Rotary Foundation Month

Dinner Meeting of October 21st

President Wayne welcomed 21 members plus partners Sally F & Helen L.

Apologies from Daryl, John N, Neil and Garth.

Correspondence

• Coolamon Council would like our club to cater for Australia Day celebrations from 8 to 9.30 am in Coolamon.

Business

• The club needs a replacement Youth Director as Sarah is moving on to ‘greener pastures’ in Vic soon.
• Next week’s meeting will be on Tuesday, 29th October.  It will be a joint meeting with Junee, Wagga & Coolamon clubs at the Sport & Rec Club at 6:30 for 7:00 pm.
• Monday, 4th November, is a combined Coolamon Lions and Rotary dinner meeting with a special guest speaker, Detective Sgt Milligan from Wagga Wagga.
• On Monday, 18th November, the two Costello girls (Amanda & Chantel)  will be attending to meet the members before they attend RYPEN.
• Saturday, 14th December is our club Christmas Party at the Old Convent.
• NYE Catering Committee formed  – Wayne, John B, Alex, Howard, Ted and Henk.

Club Assembly

Some important issues were discussed and some recommendations were formulated and will be considered by the board.

Future of Bingo

After some fruitful discussion between members, it was generally decided that we will continue to run bingo, and continue to donate proceeds to the hospital.  It was suggested we put together a team of 12 or so members who are happy and dedicated to do Bingo every 3 or 4 months and that the committee can then decide on how best to do some extra promotion.  Grahame will send out an email to all members to establish who might be interested in volunteering for such a commitment. These decisions need be ratified at the next board meeting, which will take place on Wednesday, 20th November.

Future of Rotary Local Telephone Book

Again some spirited and thoughtful discussion about the pros and cons of producing another telephone directory in 2021. It was suggested we may have difficulty in gaining as many advertisers as we have in the past and it could be used to list the mobile numbers of people in the shire and perhaps be made available online.   There was general consensus that we should publish another directory and reconsider the issue after that.  The point was made that we need a dedicated leader to spearhead the project for the year or so it will take to prepare and produce the new book; John Glassford put his hand up to be that person with one condition. Once again, the issue has to now be ratified at the next board meeting.

Albert led a very entertaining and spirited fine session.  The raffle was won by Dave.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Who is responsible for this quote?

“Take up yoga. You’ll find it beneficial, man.”

JUST FOR LAUGHS

Only in America…

DIARY

Thursday, November 12 – Bingo.  Community Centre Hall, 6.45 – 10:00.  Rostered on are Grahame (captain),  Ian, Alex and Garth.

Thursday, November 7 – RSL Coolamon Sub Branch Centenary.

Monday, December 9th – Coolamon Rotary Annual General Meeting.  Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

March 20-22nd 2020 – D9700 Conference, Temora.

June 6-10th 2020 RI Convention, Honolulu.

* denotes partner & guest night

REMINDERS

Please get your working with children check completed and give the number and expiry date to the secretary ASAP. Failure to do so may mean you are not covered insurance wise when you volunteer at events.

Subs are now due.

October is Economic and Community Development Month

Dinner Meeting of October 14th

President Wayne welcomed a good showing of members with four Rotarian partners and visiting Rotarians Jim and Naomi Miller from Williamstown from Michigan (USA). 

Business items:

• Bingo had a good turn up with 15 attendees
• Fayah McKenzie sent a lovely card in thanks for the get well card Coolamon Rotary sent to her after her recent heart problems
• President Wayne had a very fruitful chance meeting with the president of the Gawler Rotary Club in South Australia where they discussed the strengths and weaknesses of their respective clubs.
• The shed at the showground is standing and work is progressing
• Gears & Beers wrap up 
  • Big thank you to everyone that helped out on the day and the Rotary partners and the Coolamon school who baked the 2300 ANZAC biscuits.
  • On the day we went through almost all the biscuits, 20 fruit cakes, 65 kg of bananas, 6 watermelons and about ten bags of snakes.
  • Coverage of the day was very good and included an interview by SBS Tour de France commentator Mike Tomalaris with Sarah and Jann
  • the coffee van had a great day as well

Guest Speaker – John Glassford on Christchurch

John gave a riveting talk on his recent visit to Christchurch for the recent Australia/New Zealand Rotary conference. The city put on a great conference showing just how resilient the people of Christchurch are.

Much of the city is still recovering from the 2011 earthquake, with many historic buildings needing such significant repairs that funds have not yet been raised. 185  people died in the quake and 100,000 buildings were damaged many still in need of repair. For example the Anglican cathedral requires $160 million to rebuild to the new earthquake building standards, while the Catholic cathedral needing similar funding has has been deemed unsalvageable and is to soon be demolished.

The conference featured some amazing speakers and great networking and fellowship.  John encouraged everyone to attend a future conference if possible.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Who is responsible for this quote?

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

JUST FOR LAUGHS

DIARY

Thursday, November 12 – Bingo.  Community Centre Hall, 6.45 – 10:00.  Rostered on are Grahame (captain),  Ian, Alex and Garth.

Thursday, November 7 – RSL Coolamon Sub Branch Centenary.

Monday, December 9th – Annual General Meeting.  Coolamon Sport & Rec. Club.

March 20-22nd 2020 – D9700 Conference, Temora.

June 6-10th 2020 RI Convention, Honolulu.

* denotes partner & guest night

REMINDERS

Please get your working with children check completed and give the number and expiry date to the secretary ASAP. Failure to do so may mean you are not covered insurance wise when you volunteer at events.

Subs are now due.

September is Economic and Community Development

Dinner Meeting of September 23rd

President Wayne welcomed 21 members and guests Chez Post, Anne Baker, Mary Anne Costello and visiting Rotarians from Wollundry David Pyke, Phil Mcintosh, Geoff Bruest and David Byfield.

Apologies from Bern, Daryl, John G, Bruce, Neil & Dave.

Business items:

• A motion moved and passed to ask Secretary John to send a thank you letter to each of the non-members who helped with the baking of Anzac biscuits for Gears & Beers riders and to the School for allowing us to use the school kitchen and for providing ingredients for baking.   
• There will be a club assembly on Oct 16.
• 22 members are going to ‘Ride Like a Girl’ movie on Tuesday night at 7 pm in Wagga.
• Paul brought up the need for a committee to organise Easter Markets; Grahame, Ian, Dick and Leslie have agreed to be on committee.

Phil McIntosh from Wollundry Club gave a talk on the planning for Gears & Beers and the responsibilities of our club in and around the Coolamon. A number of our members have been rostered onto various intersection checkpoints, which were recorded by Albert;  other members will be helping in serving Anzac biscuits, fruit cake, fruit & water at both Marrar and Coolamon. 

Our club will need to erect gazebos from which food and water can be served. The need for 1 or 2 coffee stalls came up, as the one there last year was apparently overwhelmed. Toilets were discussed and Wollundry Rotary will organise porta-loos to be located at both the Marrar and Coolamon stops. Maybe it could be looked into if the toilets on the railway station could be opened on that morning??                

See more details on the Gears & Beers ride in the story below.

Because of the extensive discussion regarding Gears & Beers, there was no time for a fine session or raffle this week.

1600 Gears & Beers riders expected through Coolamon

On Sunday, October 6th, approximately 1600 bike riders will be passing through Coolamon for the annual Gears & Beers Festival.  There are 6 different options for the riders: 7 km distance, 30 km, 50 km, the ‘Filthy 50’ (mostly on unsealed roads), the 115 km and the ‘Dirty 130’ (on sealed & unsealed roads). It is the last two rides which will be passing through Coolamon.  

If interested, view the courses at  https://gearsandbeers.org.au/pages/courses.

Approximately two-thirds through the journey, most riders will be stopping in Coolamon’s Lions Park, where they can recharge with drinks, fruit cake, ANZAC biscuits & fruit, all provided by the Rotary Club of Coolamon.  It would be fantastic if the riders could be welcomed to Coolamon by crowds of locals from 8 am to 10 am.

The event was started by Wagga Wagga’s Wollundry Rotary Club four years ago and has grown astronomically since. Owing to its popularity, they have recruited other Rotary Clubs in the district to help out. Coolamon Rotary Club will be responsible for manning check points at various intersections within a 15 km radius of Coolamon, plus providing & serving drinks & food when many of the riders have a breather in Coolamon’s Lions Park, opposite the Coolamon Hotel.

Once arriving back in Wagga Wagga, the riders and spectators can enjoy the festivities in the Victory Memorial Gardens, which of course will feature locally produced beer and cider and a range of food options. Details can be found at  https://gearsandbeers.org.au/pages/the-festival.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Who is responsible for this quote?

“If you’ve spread yourself too thin, spread it thicker.”

Last week’s Quote of the Week was attributed to Aussie cricketer Mitch Marsh.

JUST FOR LAUGHS

DIARY

*Monday, September 30th – Fellowship meeting.  BBQ at Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

Friday, October  4 – Fannie Lumsden concert in Old Junee. Tickets cost $30.

Sunday, October 6 – Gears & Beers cycling classic and Fire Engine Muster in Coolamon.

Thursday, October 10th – Bingo.  Community Centre Hall, 6:45 – 10:00. Paul (captain), John B, Sarah and Don.

*Monday October 14th –  Speaker meeting.  Craig Gruber of NSW Ambulance will present on the Coolamon ambulance station.  Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

Thursday, November 12 – Bingo.  Community Centre Hall, 6.45 – 10:00.  Rostered on are Grahame (captain),  Ian, Alex and Garth.

Thursday November 7 – RSL Coolamon Sub Branch Centenary.

Monday, December 9th – Annual General Meeting.  Coolamon Sport & Rec. Club.

March 20-22nd 2020 – D9700 Conference, Temora.

June 6-10th 2020 RI Convention, Honolulu.

* denotes partner & guest night

REMINDERS

Please get your working with children check completed and give the number and expiry date to the secretary ASAP. Failure to do so may mean you are not covered insurance wise when you volunteer at events.

Subs are now due.

September is Basic Education and Literacy